Mark 4:30–32

Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25:21).

It is with great regret that I announce the death of Dr. Paul Joshua, a dear brother in Christ who served the people of Stone Hill Church well during his residency here the summer of 2014. Paul came to us from Bangalore, India, where he served as a key member of the faculty of SAIACS (South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies). Here is their brief obituary:

Dr Paul Joshua was a member of the SAIACS Faculty and Community. He was Head of the Department of Pastoral Theology and Counseling and a wonderful collaborator on several Faraday Courses. Paul had endured a long struggle with diabetes-related illness. Our thoughts are with this family, especially his wife, Sumitha, and their three children.

Paul’s death is clearly a blow to his family, to the kingdom of God in India, and worldwide. Through his position at SAIACS, Paul had become a prominent teacher and missional thinker throughout India and South Asia. He was also a leader and strategist with the Lausanne Movement.

During his three months here as our “Global Leader Resident,” Paul taught adult Sunday school, preached a standout sermon series on God’s work of conversion, met with and advised the staff, elders, and Missions Team, and spent time with many of you in your homes and businesses. At the close of his residency, Paul wrote these words of appreciation and exhortation:

Leaving family and life back in India for three months was not an easy prospect. Through your hospitality and concern, I experienced God’s all-sufficient grace. May you grow deeper in exercising generosity within the body of Christ. Know that I take a piece of Stone Hill with me back to India. I trust that I will equally leave with you God’s blessings. I can assure you of our prayers for your life and witness in this part of the world.

Paul is now at home with Jesus, who has welcomed him into his arms with “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Along with Paul’s family and friends, we sorrow, but as those with resurrection hope.